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In Memorium: Francis McBeth

I don’t know how I missed this, but the band world (really, the entire music world) lost another giant a couple days ago.

• • Francis McBeth, world-renowned composer and longtime OBU professor, dies at 78 [Ouachita News]
  • Dr. William Francis McBeth Obituary and Guestbook [Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home]
  • W. Francis McBeth [Wikipedia]

Posted: January 8, 2012 | PermaLink

In Memorium: Himie Voxman

One would be hard pressed to find someone who had as much an influence on woodwind education as Himie Voxman. I was certainly just reminded of this going through different repertoire helping students choose solos for the upcoming solo and ensemble season. Between his numerous method books, and countless popular compositions and arrangements, I doubt there is a single woodwind student (certainly not in our program) that hasn’t played at least one thing written by Mr. Voxman. His positive influence will be felt for a long time.

• • There was no category for him [Press-Citizen]
  • Longtime Iowa music school director Voxman dies at 99 [The Gazette]
  • Himie Voxman, renowned musical educator, dead at “99 years young” [The Little Hawk]

Posted: November 23, 2011 | PermaLink

IMEA Auditions

Congratulations to the many Symphonic Band members who auditioned for the 2011 IMEA District 7 Junior Band today. Auditions went really well and I’m sure each of you represented McCracken Middle School very well!

We should have results from IMEA by the end of the week!

Posted: October 1, 2011 | PermaLink

IGMSA Cloyd Meyers Memorial Award

This morning, at the Illinois Grade School Music Association’s State Meeting, the IGSMA presented Mr. De Stefano with the Cloyd Meyers Memorial Award!!! The Cloyd Meyers Award is the highest distinction that the IGSMA gives to individuals and now McCracken Middle School boasts two members on the short but distinguished list of award winners (Beth Lehner 2007).

Mr. De Stefano is the only person to have been awarded both of IGSMA’s individual honors: The Barbara Buehlman Young Conductor Award (2004) and the Cloyd Meyers Memorial Award (2011). Congratulations Mr. De Stefano!!!

PAST RECIPIENTS:
1992 Gary Hillquist
1993 Barbara Buehlman
1994 Jon Larson
1995 W.C. Edwards
1996 Margene Pappas
1997 Robert E. Jorgensen
1998 James Weir
1999 Don Langellier
2000 Judy Hanson
2001 Harold Hokenson
2002 Wesley Russell
2003 Thomas Goodwin
2004 Lisa Kiener-Barnett
2005 Edward Winkler
2006 Mike Mathews
2007 Beth Lehner
2008 Edward Jones
2009 Pam Edwards
2010 Don Crews

ILLINOIS GRADE SCHOOL MUSIC ASSOCIATION
Cloyd Myers Memorial Award

The Cloyd Myers Memorial Award shall be presented annually to a person who has demonstrated educational excellence in IGSMA activities such as:

• • A director whose students consistently excel in IGSMA events.
  • An adjudicator who consistently produces excellent comments and suggestions for improvement.
  • An Executive Board member who consistently fulfills his or her duties and strives for IGSMA organizational improvement.

Logistics
1) The award shall be presented at the State meeting.
2) A selection committee will be appointed annually by the President, which shall include the past two previous Award recipients. The nomination of the committee shall be reported to the President on or before June 1 of each year.
3) The award shall consist of a plaque. The Vice President shall be responsible for the purchase and engraving of the plaque.
4) The design of the award shall be approved by the Executive Board.

C. CLOYD MYERS
C. Cloyd Myers devoted many years of his active career to the Illinois Grade School Music Association. A graduate of Manchester College, North Manchester, IN, he received his Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan.

Having taught instrumental music in Osceola, Iowa, Mr. Myers began teaching in Sterling, IL, in 1939. It was during his first year of teaching there that the Illinois Grade School Band Association was formed. The entire state was divided into five districts. Cloyd Myers was appointed Chairman of the Northwest Division and elected Vice President in 1949. At the fall meeting of the Association held at the Kaskaskia Hotel in LaSalle in 1957 he was elected President. He was inducted as a charter member of the Band Masters Hall of Fame at Northwestern University in 1984.

In 1988 Mr. Myers was named President Emeritus of the Illinois Grade School Music Association and given a lifetime membership to the Executive Board. A plaque was presented honoring his 50 years service to the Association.

Mr. Myers was a World War II Navy veteran. He conducted the Sterling Municipal Band for 25 years. He was a member of the American School Band Directors Association, the Sterling Noon Rotary Club, the Sterling Elks Club, the Rock River Country Club, and a Paul Harris Fellow. Following his retirement in 1975 he directed the Singing Strings Ensemble. Mr. Myers passed away on June 30, 1991.

Posted: September 26, 2011 | PermaLink

2011 Midwest Clinic

Congratulations to the McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band for their invitation to serve as a demonstration group for a 2011 Midwest Clinic rehearsal lab. We very excited that Paula Crider, Midwest Clinic Board Member and Longhorn Band Director at the University of Texas (retired), will be the clinician working with us at this very prestigious event.

The rehearsal lab will take place on Friday, 12/16/2011, at 4:00 – 5:00 pm, in room W183, at McCormick Place West in Chicago.

Posted: July 30, 2011 | PermaLink

2011-2012 Tentative Calendar Added

It’s still quite tentative, but I’ve posted the 2011-2012 Calendar. The finalized calendar should be set by the end of the summer!

Posted: July 22, 2011 | PermaLink

In Memoriam: Steve Nedzel

Another well respected educator leaving us way too soon. Our condolences to Steve’s family, friends, and students.

• • Steve Nedzel 1979-2011 [ Chicago Tribune ]
  • Popular Band Director Dies in Fall [ NBC Chicago ]
  • Lincoln-Cay Mourns Death of West Band Director [ Chicago Sun-Times ]
  • District 210 Superintendent Responds to Steve Nedzel’s Passing [ New Lenox Patch ]
  • Lincoln-Way West Band Director Steve Nedzel Dies [ New Lenox Patch ]
  • Students, Friends Share Memories of Beloved Teacher [ New Lenox Patch ]

Posted: June 18, 2011 | PermaLink

McCracken Band featured on Skokie Patch

The Skokie Patch just published a great article about our selection as Honor Band at the University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival. Check it out!

• • McCracken Band Makes Sweet Music [Skokie Patch]

Posted: June 16, 2011 | PermaLink

McCracken Band featured in Skokie Review

In case you missed it, the Skokie Review included an article about the Symphonic Band last week! We’ve been recently interviewed by the Skokie Patch as well. Stay tuned for that one!

Posted: June 13, 2011 | PermaLink

Happy McCracken Middle School Band Day!

Tonight, at the Village Board Meeting, Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen will declare today (June 6, 2011) “McCracken Middle School Band Day” in the Village of Skokie. We’ll post the full text of the resolution when we’ve received it!

So…Happy McCracken Middle School Band Day everyone!

Posted: June 6, 2011 | PermaLink

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